The Atlantic Coast Conference had a choice and decided that Montrezl Harrell will miss the University of Louisville’s basketball game against Cal State Northridge Tuesday. As if Harrell hasn’t already learned his lesson.

Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell

Harrell was called for a flagrant 2 foul after he attempted a punch in Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky. The “punch” was an airball, missing any intended target.

A flagrant 2 is not an automatic out for the next game. Nevertheless, the NCAA gives conferences the option of reviewing incidents on a case-by-case basis to determine whether additional punishment is necessary.

Probably not appropriate in this case but if the ACC starts making exceptions, it probably complicates future decisions. Harrell did apologize right after the game, appearing to be genuinely sorry.

Unfortunately, there are apt to be some other opposing coaches or players, who, recognizing the value of Harrell to this team, will attempt to get to get him going again in future games. He plays with emotion and aggressiveness, which when combined with his abundant talent and physicality, makes him an extraordinary player.

As Rick Pitino has said numerous times, however, Harrell is also a very smart player. We doubt he will take the bait a second time.

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Kevin O’Neill, an analyst with Fox Sports, called Harrell’s ejection a joke, indicating that officials let things get out of hand before the scuffle:

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

7 thoughts on “Louisville’s Montrezl Harrell may continue to be a target”
  1. Apparently the officials think they are obliged to just call the minimal violation. That’s all their tiny brains allow.

  2. It will be a long time before the University of Louisville goes to Diddle Arena again, probably not during Rick Pitino’s tenure.

  3. The officials were in such a hurry to implicate Harrell that they overlooked everything else that happened. Worldwide Wrestling Foundation reincarnated.

  4. I missed all but the the last seconds of the first half, including the event that resulted in Harrell’s ejection; and have been wondering what happened to make him react so violently? I think I found the answer. Just before Harrell begins kicking his legs, Price punched at his groin. We know how men feel about that.

    The clearest view of the initial offense can best be seen at the 32 second mark of this video. http://www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/video?vid=375491651924

    I hope WKU reviews this matter and both offers an apology for that low class low blow and also suspends Price for his actions.

    When asked after the game about what so infuriated him, Harrell took the high road and repeated his apology. This matter should not end there, the ACC should take up for him, and the schools should take up for him. Getting punched in the man parts by one player followed by another attempting to hold you down should evoke a strong reaction, I now completely understand Trez’ ire and fully support his self-defense.

    Note too, both of the offending WKU players were clapping, Price after he punched and ran, #15 after Harrell was T’d up. In the confusion I can understand #15, I hate #5 Price for his thuggery.

    1. I’m inclined to agree, Rick. The more I watch this video the more angry I become at the Western Kentucky players for hovering over Harrell. Brandon Price (No. 5) of Western clearly hits Montrezl in the groin with a fist at that 31-second mark. That’s when one official finally starts to intervene, attempting to pull Price away.

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